Accra: Awal Mohammed has defended the Minority's decision to walk out of Parliament's Appointments Committee, asserting that such an action is a legitimate means for an opposition group to express disagreement and shape public opinion. Speaking during a panel discussion on Joy Prime, Awal highlighted that a parliamentary walkout serves both as a protest and as a way to draw public attention to the reasons for the protest.
According to Ghana Web, the comments from Awal came in the wake of the Minority Caucus' walkout on August 27, 2026, during the vetting of three Supreme Court nominees. The walkout was led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who objected to what was described as a rushed vetting process. The Minority argued that holding the vetting just three days after the nominees were referred to the Appointments Committee breached parliamentary practice and denied the public the customary 14-day period for scrutiny.
The committee chairman, Bernard Ahiafor, dismissed the objection as unfounded and allowed the vetting to proceed with the Majority side. Awal Mohammed stated that he saw nothing wrong with the Minority's decision to leave the process, noting that parliamentary walkouts are a standard practice in other jurisdictions.
Awal emphasized that while the walkout might not immediately alter the outcome of the vetting or approval process, its impact could extend beyond the parliamentary proceedings. He argued that shaping public opinion is a crucial aspect of politics and that voters could ultimately judge the Minority's position based on whether they believe its concerns were warranted.
Awal concluded by suggesting that the effects of such actions might not be immediately visible but could become apparent in future elections.